The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Talensi constituency in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Mr. Robert Ayinenaba Alibo, has criticized his opponent from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Daniel Dung Mahama, for avoiding media interactions. Alibo questioned how someone seeking to represent his constituents can effectively contribute in Parliament if he cannot engage with the media.
Addressing the Pwalungu Youth Health Walk, themed “Gateway to Parliament,” Alibo urged the youth not to vote for his main contender, emphasizing that a representative who shies away from the media will struggle to present the issues affecting the constituency in Parliament. He stated, “If you vote for someone who can’t rise up in the floor of Parliament to present your issues, will this uplift the image of the constituency? If that person can’t make his case appealing to the Speaker of Parliament and his colleagues, will he be able to collect our share for us? Will that uplift our image?”
Alibo noted that the media has followed Mahama since his election as the parliamentary candidate, yet he continues to avoid them. He pointed out, “In the Parliament house, if you rise up to contribute, they will understand that you are making sense, which would serve as a guarantee to speak in the next sitting. If you don’t make meaningful contributions, the Speaker of Parliament will give opportunities to those who do. That is why many MPs’ voices have not been heard on the floor of Parliament for the past four years. So vote wisely to avoid such occurrences.”
He pledged that, if elected, he would implement measures to ensure he is accessible to his constituents, allowing for ongoing interaction and feedback. Alibo criticized incumbent MPs for failing to engage with the people.
Additionally, Alibo dismissed the NDC’s “24-hour economy policy” as a “419 policy” developed in response to pressure from the NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia. He chastised former President John Dramani Mahama for lacking a single viable policy. He pointed out that several sectors in Ghana, including security services and healthcare, already operate 24 hours and do not require such a policy.
Alibo encouraged the youth to change their voting patterns to foster development in the constituency, asserting that the NDC has treated the Talensi seat as a safe zone, believing they will win regardless of their candidate’s performance. He argued that this mentality stifles development in the area.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya.